predator rifle

I have a 3.2-17x USO scope in my safe that needs a home. I think a .243 will put this scope to good use. Being a military guy I can get discounts from a few different sources so I was going to slowly gather the components over the next year.

Not sure about the stock but I want this to be a walking predator rifle. Can anyone recommend a stock and where to get it at the best price?

I figured when it comes time for a barrel I will have to send the action to a gunsmith to get it done right but are there any barrel makers that give military discounts better than a gunsmith can get? At any rate gunsmith choice of manufacturer of course but I was thinking varmint countour, fluted, 20", muzzle brake. I plan on shooting berger bullets so I will go with thier recommended twist. I have not decided on bullet weight yet but will 20" get me adequate powder burn on a standard .243 charge?

I was looking at a hunting rifle with a stiller predator action for sale on another website and the seller states the action has been trued and blueprinted? I assume buying one of these actions it should not need any additional attention.

I have been in the Army 17years now, another 6 and I can throw in the towel.

It is a shame if a custom action would need additional work to tighten the tolerances. I saw on another website that once a year surgeon does a group purchase that brings thier RSR round actions to $688 an thier bottom metal for $340. Maybe I will wait for that to come around and by the stock, barrel, and trigger first.

I have been looking at the mcmillan edge stock to keep the weight reasonable but I am not sure if the barrel channel will be wide enough for a varmint contour barrel. I will have to do some calling around next week.

I want the recoil to be minimal so I can reasonably cycle the bolt quick enough and get a second shot. If I go with a 25" medium varmint barrel with brake what weight bullet will allow a quick follow up shot?

in alaska i would go with regular .243. i have killed over 250 coyotes. the greatest portion with a .243. i would use a 70 grain balistic tip or an 85 sierra bthp. all the .243 hunting bullets are deadly on coyotes and the 55 grain would kick the least.